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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This Christmas Morning Apple French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead holiday breakfast. Soft, custardy, layered with cinnamon apples, and finished with a light cream cheese drizzle — perfect for prepping the night before and baking Christmas morning.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

French Toast Bake

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread cut into thick cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1½ cups whole milk or half & half
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg optional
  • Pinch of salt

Apple Layer:

  • 2 medium apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Cream Cheese Drizzle:

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –4 tbsp milk to thin
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Let's Make It
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Cook 5–7 minutes, just until softened and glossy.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Add half of the bread cubes to the dish.
  • Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread.
  • Top with remaining bread cubes.
  • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Pour evenly over the bread.
  • Gently press the bread down so everything is soaked.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Remove dish from the fridge while the oven preheats.
  • Uncover and drizzle a little melted butter over the top (this helps create a golden, bakery-style finish).
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, lightly golden, and just set in the center.
  • (It should still be soft and custardy — not dry.)
  • Gently melt the cream cheese (microwave in short bursts or over very low heat).
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk.
  • Add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until thin and drizzle-able. This is meant to be light, not thick frosting.
  • Spoon or slice the French toast bake onto plates and finish with a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
  • Optional: maple syrup